Amniotic membranes are an amazing new addition to our eye care treatments. This is a small piece of amniotic tissue that has been donated and prepared to be used medically. This membrane is full of stem cells ready to heal tissue, restore sight and eliminate pain.
On the eye, there are stem cells along the outside border of the cornea – near the outer edge of the colored part if you’re looking in a mirror. These are epithelial cells that are on the outermost layer of the cornea. These stem cells are constantly creating new cells to replace ones that die every single day due to the environment or tiny scratches. As we age, it takes longer and longer for these cells to be created. In addition, the likelihood that we have damaged epithelial cells is increased.
Not only do these amniotic membranes restore the cells that have been lost, but they also can regrow corneal nerves! These corneal nerves are vital to the biological feedback loop that keeps the tissue healthy and getting the nutrients it requires…this includes the tear film.
Some causes of damage of corneal nerves:
- Diabetes
- Chemical burns
- Overuse/abuse of contact lenses
- LASIK/corneal refractive surgery
- Cataract surgery
- Moderate and advanced dry eye disease
- Several years’ use of over-the-counter and prescribed eye drops that use preservatives such as BAK, polyquad, etc.
- Non-healing corneal abrasions
- Recurrent corneal erosions
Pain after corneal refractive surgery or cataract surgery is quite common, but also treatable now that we have amniotic membranes.
Symptoms of corneal nerve damage or loss:
- Loss of corneal sensation
- Pain
- Excessive tearing
- Blurred vision or vision that improves with blinking
- Neurotrophic ulcers
- Corneal damage that is difficult to heal
- Constant redness
The sooner an eye can be treated with an amniotic membrane, the better the results will be.